Five Keys to Saturday's Game

Baylor offense has to find creative ways to run the ball

Football 10/4/2024 10:47:00 PM

BAYLOR at #16 IOWA STATE

RESPOND: How will the Bears respond after two down-to-the-wire losses to Colorado and BYU? Baylor coach Dave Aranda has seen some players "get in people's faces, demanding more. And then you're getting guys responding. That's what is cool about it is you're getting the emotion and then you're getting guys the response. And I think more and more guys are getting to that front line to fight."
BE CREATIVE: Through the first five games, the Bears have averaged just 146.2 yards rushing per game and are coming off their worst outing with 63 yards on 28 attempts in the 34-28 loss to BYU. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital has to find ways to create some semblance of a rushing attack. "The point of attack just hasn't been what it needs to be," Aranda said. "I'm disappointed with that. And the running backs are not running as hard as I think they have in the past. We've seen what we have been, and it's not right now. For sure, those are related, but we have to be better in those areas."
MORE BULLETS: With a number of players returning from either suspensions or injuries, Baylor will be much closer to full strength than the Bears were just a week ago. It's particularly important to get edge rushers like Garmon Randolph and Steve Linton back after zero sacks against BYU. Among the other players expected to be back are tight end Michael Trigg and offensive tackle Campbell Barrington. "It's going to be great to get all our guys back," said defensive lineman Jackie Marshall, who described the loss of Randolph and Linton as major. "We had to do what we had to do."
KEEP BELIEVING: Coming off a career day, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns, quarterback Sawyer Robertson's confidence in himself and trust from the coaches continues to grow. "There's nothing that can shake who I am as a person and my foundation and my faith and who I am," Robertson said. "That allows me to play and have fun and play free. To have them believe in me means the world to me, because this is what I've dreamed of my whole life."
FINISH: Whether it was the defense giving up the Hail Mary pass to Colorado or the offense unable to capitalize on a midfield turnover versus BYU, Baylor has struggled to finish. If the Bears are in that position again, they need to find a way to come up with those clutch plays late in the game. "You get the ball back with two minutes left against Colorado, and we just have to get a first down to ice the game. And we didn't get it done," Robertson said. "Last weekend, we were moving the ball up and down the field all game. And then in the last two possessions, we ust couldn't get it done after the defense fought back and put us in a position to win. I take a lot of responsibility for that. And at the end of the day, we've just got to do it."